Kisner opens 2-shot lead on a course he barely knows

Branden Grace of South Africa tees off on the 5th hole during the first round of the HSBC Champions golf tournament at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo)

AP Photo

November 06, 2015

SHANGHAI (AP) Kevin Kisner kept up his impressive debut in China on Friday with a 6-under 66 that gave him a two-shot lead over Russell Knox going into the weekend at the HSBC Champions.

Kisner never saw Sheshan International until the opening round because of a sore back. He still hasn't made a bogey.

The 31-year-old American was at 14-under 130.

Knox made a 40-foot birdie putt on his opening hole and shot a 65 in much tougher conditions because of a strong wind. Branden Grace struggled on his back nine and had to settle for a 71. The South African was only four shots behind.

Li Haotong of China gave the home gallery something to cheer. Li was on the leaderboard all afternoon, shot 69 and was at 9-under 135.

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